THE nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspirational small businesses has kicked off as part of exciting plans to celebrate this year’s Small Business Saturday UK. Organisers are calling on brilliant small businesses from across the UK to apply to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 line up, which highlights the best of Britain’s vibrant small business community, as part of the official countdown to the annual campaign on December 2.
Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities.
The grassroots non-commercial campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010 and the brand remains the principal supporter of Small Business Saturday in the UK.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small Business Saturday highlights the UK’s incredible small businesses and celebrates the extraordinary contributions they make to the UK and our local communities. It continues to be a vital campaign, particularly given the ongoing challenges small firms have had.”
“We are delighted to be kicking off the next decade of the campaign, with this year’s search to find the most fabulous small businesses from across the UK. So, if you run an exciting small firm that brings something special to the world around you, we invite you to share your story with us! Whether you are online or on the high street, based in an office or at home, supporting consumers or other businesses in the supply chain, we encourage you to apply to be part of this year’s line-up.”
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Since the UK campaign started in 2013, over 1000 small businesses have been featured in the campaign’s SmallBiz100, with firms from virtually all areas of the country and sectors represented: from an ice cream parlour in Dorset and a Bookshop in Bognor Regis, to a PR firm in Worcestershire and a vintage furniture store in Glasgow.
For example, a Whitley Bay store – For the Love of the North – which sells prints, cards and gifts by Northern artists, was a SmallBiz100 last year. Founders Lucy and Paul Hull said: “Being in the SmallBiz100 is such an amazing opportunity to shout loud and proud about what you do. To show off your passion and to inspire others who wish to pursue their dreams. It really is a fabulous community of like-minded small indie businesses.”
Andrew Deighton, owner of the high-performance training and consulting business AWD Development Solutions Ltd, said: “Being chosen as one of the SmallBiz100 was a real boost in what had been a difficult year. It’s a fantastically supportive and active community.”
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, but also has an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Small businesses offer so much to local communities across the UK but continue to face a raft of challenges. That’s why we continue to champion them and the inspiring entrepreneurs running these businesses through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday, and by incentivising our Cardmembers to spend with them all year round.”
For the chance to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 small businesses can submit a video application throughout June, by heading to the Small Business Saturday website: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100
